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Introduction to Pepeha

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Introduction to Pepeha

Read the guide and sample, then try the activities. A pepeha shares connections to people and place; it is more than a greeting. There is no need to invent whakapapa or disclose anything private. If a personal detail is unknown or not yours to share, use the inclusive alternatives provided.

Pepeha: a guide and sample

A pepeha is a way to introduce yourself through meaningful connections. Forms vary between iwi and communities, so follow local guidance where possible. Terms often used include maunga (mountain), awa (river), waka (ancestral canoe), iwi (tribe or people), hapū (sub-tribe or kin group), and whānau (family). A person may name different relationships or places depending on their whakapapa and context. Do not assume every Māori person uses the same sequence or that these terms describe every person's background.

A sample introduction

This fictional example is a learning model, not a template for everyone: “Tēnā koutou katoa. Ko Taranaki te maunga. Ko Waiwhakaiho te awa. Ko Aotea te waka. Ko Ngāti Ruanui te iwi. Ko Hana tōku ingoa. Nō Taranaki ahau.” This says: “Greetings to you all. Taranaki is the mountain. Waiwhakaiho is the river. Aotea is the canoe. Ngāti Ruanui is the iwi. Hana is my name. I am from Taranaki.” No hapū is named in this sample. Real pepeha wording and affiliations should be checked with knowledgeable whānau or community sources.

1.In the sample, what does “Nō Taranaki ahau” tell the listener?

The speaker is from Taranaki.
The speaker is travelling to Taranaki.
The speaker's name is Taranaki.
Taranaki is the speaker's waka.

2.Match each te reo Māori term with its meaning.

maunga
awa
waka
iwi
hapū
whānau

canoe
family
sub-tribe or kin group
mountain
river
tribe or people

3.Which two lines in the sample identify landscape connections? Copy both lines and give the English meaning of each.

4.Every pepeha must use exactly the same sequence and list all six terms in the guide. Choose true or false, then explain your choice in one sentence.

5.Fill each blank: “Ko Taranaki te ” means Taranaki is the mountain; “Ko Waiwhakaiho te ” means Waiwhakaiho is the river.

6.A classmate says they do not know their whakapapa details yet and do not want to guess. What is the most respectful next step?

Encourage them to invent an iwi and mountain so their pepeha sounds complete.
Respect their choice and offer an inclusive introduction that does not claim connections they cannot confirm.
Tell them they cannot introduce themselves.
Choose a nearby mountain and tell them to use it.

7.Number these sample lines from 1 to 3 in the order they appear: “Ko Aotea te waka”; “Ko Taranaki te maunga”; “Ko Waiwhakaiho te awa”.

8.Write a short introduction of 2–4 sentences. Include a greeting and your name, then add a connection you can genuinely and comfortably share, such as a place, community, interest, or whānau connection. If you do not wish to share personal whakapapa, write a general introduction instead. Do not invent iwi, hapū, or ancestral connections.

9.Name one source of guidance you could consult to check the wording or significance of a pepeha, and explain why checking matters.